Three ways Arsenal could line up without William Saliba against Liverpool

Centre-back suspended for Premier League showdown at Emirates Stadium after red card

Mikel Arteta has a selection headache ahead of Arsenal’s huge Premier League clash with Liverpool because the Gunners will be without William Saliba.

The defender was sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth and is suspended for the game showdown at Emirates Stadium.

Saliba played every minute in the Premier League last season and the Arsenal have not started a league game without him since March 2023.

But Arteta now must find a solution without the Frenchman as Arsenal prepare to take on the leaders.

Here, Standard Sport assesses his options.

Play Timber at centre-back
Jurrien Timber has been one of Arsenal’s star performers this season.

The 23-year-old Dutchman has bounced back after missing virtually all of last season due to a serious knee injury.

Timber has played as a full-back, but Arteta may be tempted to use him in the heart of defence against Liverpool.

He played there during his time with Ajax and was also used there by Arsenal during pre-season in the summer.

Timber looked assured as a centre-back, impressing with his ability on the ball, and he would be an ideal partner for Gabriel. The Brazilian is an aggressive, front-foot defender and Timber’s pace would mean he could sweep behind him as cover.

The only concern for Arsenal is that Timber has missed the last two games – and international duty with the Netherlands – due to a muscle issue.